Here is this week’s weather forecast by PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey.

Weather report

The first day of spring, or the vernal equinox, isn’t until March 20. However, Monday’s weather resembles a classic Central Coast spring pattern. This is also the time of the year when North County will become warmer than the coastal valleys and beaches. Unfortunately, March is likely to follow the example of January and February with well below average precipitation.

Gentle to moderate (8 to 18 mph) northeasterly (Santa Lucia) winds during the night and morning will produce dry and fair conditions today as a ridge of high pressure strengthens over the Central Coast. Temperatures today will mostly be in the mid- to high 70s. Fair and generally warmer weather is expected Tuesday through Wednesday. Temperatures will climb by a couple of degrees each day with widespread low 80s by Wednesday.

Warm weather will continue in the North County on Thursday. Conversely, areas near the coast will cool as the northwesterly (onshore) winds begin to strengthen and the high pressure ridge responsible for the fair and above normal temperatures for March begins to weaken.

Persistent northwesterly (onshore) winds will produce night and morning low clouds and fog along the beaches and coastal valleys beginning Thursday and continuing through much of the following week. At this time, moderate gale to fresh gale-force (32 to 46 mph) northwesterly winds may develop along our coastline next weekend. The next chance of rain appears to be around March 21.

Surf report

Today’s 4- to 6-foot northwesterly (300-degree deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 14-second period) will continue at this height and period along our coastline through Tuesday.

A 3- to 5-foot northwesterly (290-degree deep-water) swell (with a 5- to 14-second period) will develop along our coastline Wednesday, further lowering to 2 to 4 feet (with a 7- to 12-second period) Thursday.

Increasing northwesterly winds will produce a 4- to 6-foot northwesterly (300-degree deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 15-second period) Friday and Saturday, further increasing 8 to 10 feet (with a 5- to 11-second period) Sunday through next Monday.

Seawater temperatures

Seawater temperatures will range between 51 and 53 degrees through next Monday.